Many city primary schools could be merged under the plan

The list, drawn up by councillors and due to be discussed next week, identifies schools said to be operating below capacity.

The council claims it spends more on buildings than educating children.

Under the plans Causwayend and Victoria Road Schools could close within two years and Stoneywood within five.

Others, including Newhills and Bucksburn, St Machar and Donbank, Middleton Park and Glashieburn, would be amalgamated and replaced by new buildings.

Contradictory policy

Parents and some local politicians have reacted furiously to the news.

The council insisted no decision would be taken without public consultation. It also claimed that redundant school buildings could find other uses in the community.

Aberdeen Central Labour MSP Lewis MacDonald said the local plans seemed to contradict national policy.

He said: "At a time when SNP ministers at Holyrood are saying cut class sizes in primaries one to three - in Aberdeen that would mean from an average of 24 to 18 - clearly that would mean more classroom space is required.